I don't know anyone who has still had pain with adequate novicane injections for dental work. If you still feel pain, you should tell your dentist and they stop and will administer more novicane. Yes, even with the numbing gel you still feel the pinch of the shots going in, but that's it. Once the novicane takes effect, there should be no pain. The pills have no effect on the pain, they are intended to combat the anxiety of going into the chair to begin with.
I am wondering why are you saying the pills are off the table? Are you unable to take them, or just unwilling? I have anxiety myself, and dentistry is one place where it REALLY flares up. Belive me, the medication helps immensely. I am not one to take medication when I don't feel like I need it, but I can't see not using something that would make this kind of situation more tolerable.
I do feel like I would want the IV sedation in your situation as well, but if that isn't an option, anxiety meds with novicane would be a second choice.